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“Differential” vs. “Deferential”: What’s the Difference?

Jun 9, 2023
Engram
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The difference between “differential” and “deferential”

  • The main difference between differential and deferential is that differential refers to a comparison or a mechanical component, while deferential refers to an attitude or behavior.
  • Differential is used in mathematics and mechanics, while deferential is used to describe human behavior.
  • Differential is a noun, while deferential is an adjective.
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What is the definition of “differential” and “deferential”?

Differential
  • Differential refers to the difference between two or more things or quantities.
  • It can also refer to a device or mechanical component used to transmit power or motion between two or more rotating shafts.
  • In mathematics, differential is used to refer to the derivative of a function.
Deferential
  • Deferential is an adjective used to describe someone who shows respect or yields to authority or a superior.
  • It can also refer to an attitude or behavior of being respectful or submissive.
  • Deferential can also refer to an action taken to show respect or yield to authority.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Differential” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Differential
524,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The mechanic found a problem with the car's differential and had to replace it.
  2. The salary differential between the CEO and the entry-level employees was staggering.
  3. In a differential equation, the rate of change of one variable can be expressed in terms of another.
Deferential
3,060,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The employee was always deferential to his boss, always agreeing with their ideas.
  2. The student's deferential attitude towards their professor earned them extra credit.
  3. The diplomat showed a deferential tone when addressing the foreign dignitary, showing respect for their culture.
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